Queensway Unveiled

Abode2 explores the Parisian-style pavilions, landmark developments and a new gate to Hyde Park as the £3 billion transformation of Queensway

A transformation is set to take place in Queensway, London W2, as a £3 billion vision for the future of the street was unveiled today, including Parisian-style Street pavilions, significant greening, public realm improvements, a new retail strategy, a series of landmark developments and a new public entrance to Hyde Park.

The changes, to be delivered by the Queensway Joint Steering Committee in close consultation with Westminster City Council and TfL, will enable the creation of a new district for living, shopping, dining and leisure. Located between Hyde Park and Notting Hill, the major overhaul will deliver a blueprint for the future of London’s high streets and be bookmarked by landmark property developments including The Whiteley - the grand reimagining of London’s first department store, Whiteleys - and Park Modern - a premium development with world-class residences overlooking Hyde Park.

A new icon for the area will be a series of Parisian-style pavilions, which will transform underutilised side streets from crammed parking spots to new retail and dining experiences. The elegant glass pods, featuring copper frames and planting on top, will feature a destination café dining that will enable seating to expand onto new courtyard areas, bringing al fresco living to the west London location.

Five key developments are proposed for the street. At the south end of Queensway sits Park Modern, from Fenton Whelan. Work is underway on the project to deliver 52 new, world-class apartments, three penthouses and two mews houses overlooking neighbouring Hyde Park. Situated opposite will be a new entrance to Kensington Gardens, featuring a new crossing and road junction connecting the high street to Hyde Park with an improved pedestrian crossing and a state-of-the-art traffic calming design.

Between Queensway and Bayswater Underground stations, the redevelopment of South Queensway including 68 new residential apartments and a new plaza at Princess Court are being delivered by Bourne Capital, while further north sits a new retail parade at North Queensway from GMS Estates.

At the north end of Queensway is The Whiteley, developed by MARK, CC Land and Finchatton with architecture by world leading practice Foster + Partners. Set to complete in late 2023, The Whiteley brings together new, modern architecture with retained and restored Grade II-listed features, including the building’s entire frontage and iconic dome. Occupying over 1.1 million square foot, The Whiteley provides 139 high specification residences, 20 new shops, cafes and restaurants, a cinema, state-of-the-art gym and London’s flagship Six Senses hotel and spa, offering 110 rooms, 14 Six Senses residences and a members’ social and wellness club.

The redevelopment plans mark the biggest investment Queensway has ever seen. Of the eight retail parades located on Queensway, five will be comprehensively regenerated, reinvigorating the retail tone of the street.

Of the 550 apartments currently in the Bayswater pipeline, 70% are focussed on Queensway [cit: Knight Frank] and will reposition the area as a prime address in line with the local neighbourhoods adjoining Hyde Park.

The Queensway regeneration project will deliver a bold mix of reuse, restoration, new building additions, and regreening. Not only delivering new buildings, the plans will also see the restoration of heritage buildings, support for existing businesses, the refurbishment of shop frontages, improved lighting, greening of rooftops, and improvements to both Queensway and Bayswater Underground stations.

An improved walking experience has been prioritised as part of the vision. Cutting down commuter traffic to one lane and reducing parking, the pavements will be widened and will incorporate large-scale planting. Featuring trees and seasonal foliage, the planters will also double as new seating, instead of traditional street furniture. One of London’s most well-situated high streets, this improved pedestrian journey will provide the perfect route to connect from Hyde Park to nearby Notting Hill, and the area’s myriad of canal walkways.

Public realm experts, Publica, renowned for projects that have transformed areas such as Marylebone and Mayfair, have been brought on board to deliver the major transformation. The masterplan of the streetscape has been designed by Burns and Nice, the practice behind both Exhibition Road and Mount Street.

Currently submitted for planning with Westminster Council, the project is scheduled to fully complete in 2026, and will deliver seven new buildings, over 350 new homes, 10,000 square feet of new office space, 530 metres of refurbished shop fronts and 500 metres of new retail opportunities.

Alex Michelin of Finchatton, on behalf of the Queensway Joint Committee said: “We are delighted to present a comprehensive vision for the rejuvenation of this historic area of central London. This once in a lifetime regeneration of Queensway will deliver an entirely new experience for visitors and residents, including a regreening of the streetscape, wider pavements, significant traffic reduction, improved street lighting and world-class new homes, shops, restaurants and public spaces. Through this major investment programme, Queensway will be reborn as a thriving, modern and vibrant living and leisure district; the high street of the future and a vital London destination.”

(Image credit: V1)

Queenswaylondon.com